ESOL
2 synonyms for ESOL, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — English language teaching provided to people living in an English-speaking country whose first language is not English; also the subject or qualification itself.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
ESL
English language teaching
How to use ESOL
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ESOL course
ESOL learner
ESOL tutor
ESOL qualification
Standard term in education and government policy; pronounced as a word, not spelled out.
Etymology
An initialism of English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Full origin of ESOL →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ESOL and ESL?
They cover much the same ground, but ESOL is the standard term in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, while ESL (English as a Second Language) is more common in the United States. ESOL is also preferred by many teachers because 'second language' is inaccurate for learners who already speak three or four.
What is the difference between ESOL and EFL?
ESOL teaches English to people who are living in an English-speaking country and need it for daily life, work and citizenship. EFL — English as a Foreign Language — teaches it to people studying in their own country, where English is not the language outside the classroom.
Are ESOL classes free in the UK?
Often, but not automatically. Funding usually depends on your immigration status, how long you have been resident, and whether you are on certain benefits, and it varies between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Your local further education college can check your eligibility.
